Mark Krikorian, the Washington Spirit’s President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, is stepping down at the conclusion of his three-year contract.
“From the beginning, Mark helped build a culture of excellence and success,” said club Owner Michele Kang. “His vision and execution have been integral in making the Washington Spirit one of the league’s top teams. On behalf of the club, I want to thank him for his leadership and wish him and Linda the very best.”
Under his guidance, the Spirit reached significant milestones, including a franchise-record 19 wins and a finals berth in 2024, along with numerous individual and team accolades. “When I came here in the spring of 2022, I wanted to help establish the Spirit as a perennial contender in the NWSL and one of the best clubs in the world,” said Mark Krikorian, former President of Soccer Operations and General Manager.
“I felt that over the past three years we built a foundation that can last while assembling a roster that can immediately compete for championships. My contract was up at the end of February, and as that approached, it served as a natural point to think through my future. It was a difficult decision, but after a lot of consideration over the winter, I approached Michele to let her know that I had decided to step down after my contract expired. Michele asked me to stay on through the start of the season, which I accepted, as it gave me the opportunity to honor my commitment to Michele and the team and see the Spirit through one more offseason. I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to Michele for this opportunity, as well as the players and the entire Spirit organization and fanbase for an incredible three years.”
Prior to the Spirit, Krikorian spent over three decades at the collegiate, international, and professional women’s soccer levels. As head coach, he transformed Florida State University’s women’s soccer program into a perennial national power. The three-time National Coach of the Year and five-time ACC Coach of the Year led Florida State to NCAA Division I Championships in 2014, 2018 and 2021, maintained a record of finishing no lower than second place a total of 12 times in the Atlantic Coast Conference, advanced to 11 College Cup semifinals, and captured eight ACC championships. Krikorian also served as the head coach of the Philadelphia Charge in the Women’s United Soccer Association between 2000 and 2003, producing ten WUSA All-Stars and leading the team to two playoff berths. He was named WUSA Coach of the Year in 2002.
Sporting Director James Hocken and Assistant General Manager Nathan Minion will lead the club’s soccer operations in an interim capacity.